Info-paedia : Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
Why in News?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved higher
ethanol prices derived from different sugarcane based raw materials under
the EBP Programme for the sugar season 2022-23.
Status
India is the world's fifth largest producer of ethanol after the
US, Brazil, EU and China.
Target of average 10% blending was achieved in June, 2022.
Target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol is advanced to 2025 (Earlier
2030).
Significance
Cheaper , efficient and less polluting fuel vis-a- vis Petrol.
Lowering crude oil imports and energy security.
Towards a Greener economy and transition to a low carbon economy.
Enable local enterprises and farmers to participate in energy economy.
The EBP Programme
Launched in 2003 under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
GoI has notified "administered price" of ethanol since 2014.
Under EBP programme OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10%.
The EBP is extended to the whole of India except UTs of Andman &Nicobar
Islands and Lakshadweep islands since April,2019.
Government Measures
Amendments to National Policy on Biofuels, it will allow more
feedstocks for the production of biofuels.
Use of E12 (Ethanol:Petrol=12:88)& E15 automotive fuel notified.
Union Budget 2022-23 announced an additional differential excise
duty on unblended fuel.
Interest subvention scheme extended to grain-based distilleries.
